Your kitchen’s aesthetics are greatly influenced by the countertops, which serve a functional purpose and enhance the overall look and feel of the space. They also contribute to the value of your home and need to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use.

Knowing your options can help you choose the perfect countertop for your remodel. Whether you prefer a natural material like granite or a less expensive option such as tile, there are many options to consider.

Quartz

Quartz is the ultimate choice if you’re after a robust and easy-to-manage countertop that can stand up to heat and stains. These manufactured counters are solid and versatile, providing a multitude of design options that are sure to suit your home’s style.

They’re also non-porous, meaning spills won’t stain or discolor them. Use warm water and a gentle sponge to clean quartz effectively. Also, always use a potholder to protect yourself from burns when dealing with hot dishes.

Quartz is an excellent choice for households with children and pets, as it’s tough enough to withstand a lot of wear and tear. It’s also much more affordable than natural stone alternatives, and it can boost your home’s value when you decide to sell it. It’s a wise investment that you can be confident in.

Granite

Thanks to their durability and timeless beauty, granite countertops are still a favorite among homeowners and kitchen remodeling designers. They can withstand the sharpest of knives and bubbling pots, and they’re available in hundreds of colors, from muted shades of white, black, green, or gray to bold blues, reds, or yellows. There are also organic patterns with visual textures and speckled, dotted, or veined designs. Each granite countertop is unique, with a one-of-a-kind appearance that can enhance any home’s décor.

Granite counters are easy to maintain. A block of mild dish soap or a cleaner tailored for granite can clean granite surfaces effectively. They should be resealed annually to protect them from water and food spills.

A granite counter can instantly upgrade a kitchen, and it’s a great way to increase your home’s value when you sell. According to experts, the high-quality material can add up to a 200% return on investment.

Marble

Marble adds elegance to a kitchen, primarily when used in a backsplash or as countertops. It comes in various colors and has expressive veining that’s hard to match with manufactured materials. Marble also blends in well with traditional, contemporary, and transitional homes.

Marble is heat-resistant but softer and more porous than other natural counter options and can be susceptible to stains from acidic foods like lemon juice or spilled red wine from a wine tasting event. Sealing marble regularly mitigates staining, and choosing more rigid varieties of marble (like Calacatta) or opting for honed rather than polished surfaces will help too.

Marble could be the perfect choice if you’re OK with a countertop that looks scratched up and develops a patina of use over time. Ask your fabricator to give you a chiseled, raw edge or a gently cascading three-level waterfall-style profile to complete the look. You can also opt for a more classic, squared edge or a rounded bullnose.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel countertops are often the norm in restaurant kitchens, but they can also be a good choice for home cooks. The metal is resistant to heat and rust, making it a durable, attractive option for the kitchen. Its non-porous surface also prevents bacteria from adhering to it, which can be a plus if you have kids or elderly relatives who might use the kitchen.

These counters look sleek and contemporary, bringing a modern touch to any space. They also reflect light better than most other materials, making a small room appear bigger and brighter.

A pro will fabricate stainless steel countertops to your specifications, molding the material around a wood substructure. It’s best to leave sink replacement and pipe installation to a professional. Stainless steel countertops start at $150 per square foot. They’re more expensive than most other materials, but they raise your home’s value. They’re also a wise investment for anyone who plans to sell their home.